Help your children build good money habits by talking with them early and often about finances and by setting a good financial example. NASAA’s educational games and resources for youth can help get your children thinking and talking about personal finance. Use the questions below to jumpstart a conversation with your child about responsible money management.

Budgeting

What is the difference between a need and a want? Which is more important than the other?

How does your family make decision about spending and saving?

Why is it important to balance income (money coming in) with expenses (money going out)?

What are ways to earn more money (i.e. babysitting, lawn mowing)?

Saving

What are some ways to save money?

How can interest help make your savings grow?

Is there something special you want to save for?

What are some ways to save for a long-term goal like buying a car or going to college?

Investing

What is an investment and how does it work?

How can investing make your money grow?

What are some of the risks of investing?

What are some ways to make investing less risky?

Where can you get advice and information about investing?

Scams and Frauds

How can you tell whether an opportunity to make money is a scam?

Who can you trust with money advice? Remember, people may use social connections to trick you into a scam.

How can you verify an investment opportunity and the promoter? What should you do if someone approaches you with an easy way to make money?